Smooth External Surface Research Articles

Warthin-like Variant of Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland

A 57-year-old woman with a 2-year history of a left infra-auricular mass with no associated symptoms presented with a 6.0 cm ´ 4.0 cm ´ 3.0 cm firm, non-tender, movable mass. No imaging was done. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) revealed sheets of epithelial cells that had abundant dense grayish-blue cytoplasm in a mucinous background with abundant lymphocytes (Figure 1), suggestive of salivary gland neoplasm with oncocytic or oncocytoid features (Category IVB, Salivary Gland Neoplasm of Uncertain Malignant Potential).1 Total parotidectomy revealed a 4.3 X 3.2 X 3.0 cm deep lobe lesion with a tan-grey to dark brown, smooth and dull external surface. Cut sections showed a cream-white to pink, lobulated, heterogenous cut surfaces. Microscopically, the lesion was unencapsulated with poorly demarcated borders. The neoplastic cells were arranged in haphazard sheets and surrounded by abundant lymphocytes. The tumor cells had abundant eosinophilic and granular cytoplasm compatible with oncocytes with mild to moderate nuclear atypia. There were occasional cystic spaces that contained mucin though mucocytes were not readily apparent. (Figure 2) Necrosis, perineural and lymphovascular space invasion or anaplasia were not evident.

Preparation and in Vitro Evaluation of Solid-Lipid Nanoparticles (from Dika Wax) for Enhanced Delivery of Nevirapine in HIV/Aids Management

The preparation and assessment of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) of nevirapine with improved oral delivery for better management of HIV/AIDS was the aim of this research. Eight batches of SLNs of nevirapine were produced from Dika wax and evaluated for particle charges and distribution of the sizes of particles using Zeta sizer, surface shape with Cryo-Transmission Electron Microspcope (Cryo-TEM), chemical interaction between drug and excipients with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscope (FTIR). Loading capacity, encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release properties were determined. Release profiles were compared with ƒ2 statistic, one-way ANOVA and students’t-test. From the results obtained, Cryo-TEM revealed that the SLNs were round to oval in shape with smooth external surface. Zeta sizer particle sizes and distribution analysis indicated quality results for Nevirapine SLN Batches 15 and 18. The zeta potential results were: -16.83 ± 0.404 mV for Batch 1, -44.30 ± 0.624 mV for Batch 15 and -40.03 ± 2.65 mV for Batch 18. Batches 15 and 18 SLNs had loading capacities of 6.71% and 9.82% respectively and encapsulation efficiencies of 49.35% and 70.19% respectively. In vitro dissolution showed 102% release for batch 18 and 87.5% release for Batch 15 with a dissolution efficiency of 65% for Batch 15 and 83% for Batch 18 SLNs. ƒ2 statistic, ANOVA and students’ t-test revealed Batch 15 SLNs are similar to Batch 18 SLN. In conclusion, Batches 15 and 18 SLNs have good properties for enhancing the delivery of nevirapine as extended release dosage forms for better management of HIV/AIDS.

Development of an Improved LASER-Resistant Endotracheal Tube.

Surgical fires, particularly within Otolaryngology, remain a surprisingly frequent and devastating complication of laser-related surgery in the oropharynx and airway; Current estimates suggest anywhere from 200 to 600 surgical fires per year in the United States, with 20%-30% of these occurring as a complication of laser surgery and 90%-95% of these occurring in the head and neck region. Unfortunately, the complications of laser surgery in the airway may include respiratory failure, airway burns with stenosis, and may result in mortality. The most commonly utilized endotracheal tube for protection against inadvertent laser strikes, the Laser-Shield II tube (Medtronic), was removed from the commercial marketplace in 2016 after cases of airway fires were reported as a result of feature deficiencies in the product (FDA MAUDE Database review). Since the demise of the Laser-Shield II tube, alternatives such as the Mallinckrodt laser tube and handmade reinforced tubes have been utilized, although shortcomings in design and features have made these options less appealing to practicing Otolaryngologists. Creating a laser-safe endotracheal tube is critical for safe upper airway surgery. This paper evaluates new technologies, materials, and technical innovations in endotracheal tubes that may advance patient safety in laser-assisted Otolaryngology procedures. This paper evaluates new technologies, materials, and technical innovations in endotracheal tubes that may advance patient safety in laser-assisted Otolaryngology procedures. First, this article reviews the background of laser surgery in Otolaryngology and the consequent risk of surgical fire with resultant development of laser-resistant endotracheal tubes and commercial availability. Next, a review of claims and national database review of product failures related to previous laser-resistant endotracheal tubes is performed through the FDA MAUDE database. This includes an evaluation of cases: review of techniques in laser airway surgery including spontaneous ventilation, decreased O2 concentration, currently available endotracheal tubes including "handmade" fixes for perceived safety risks, and determination of failure points for previous laser-resistant endotracheal tubes. Third, the paper reviews the requested features of an "ideal" laser-resistant endotracheal tube. Finally, the paper reviews failure testing from an initial, unsuccessful attempt at material development and the consequent development of alternative technologies that address failure points from previous endotracheal tubes and addresses requested features with a detailed analysis of FDA-approval required testing. Extensive lab testing of the new tube predicts a significant reduction of risk in vivo with inability to perforate the shaft or cuff of the tubes under standard working conditions. While no iteration of a laser-resistant endotracheal tube is entirely laser safe, advances in technology can improve the safety profile of these devices. The new tube contains a double cuff, a soft and flexible shaft to minimize laryngeal insertion trauma, a smooth external surface, a tight-to-shaft balloon, and methylene blue dye in the cuff to alert the user to inadvertent penetration. These characteristics were the most requested by laryngologists in the development of a new laser-resistant tube. The newest endotracheal tube brings the features most requested by Otolaryngologists in a laser-resistant tube, and improves the safety profile over previous tubes. Development of a new endotracheal tube represents an advancement in safety for the Otolaryngologist in laser airway surgery. Understanding the previous history and the science behind surgical fire formation is essential in advancing safety for patients in the future. N/A Laryngoscope, 134:S1-S12, 2024.

Urachal mucinous cystic tumor of low malignant potential: a report of a rare case with literature review

Neoplasms originating from the urachus are exceptionally uncommon, comprising only 0.17% of all bladder neoplasms. Among these, the mucinous cystic tumor of low malignant potential (MCTLMP) is particularly rare, with only 25 documented cases in medical literature. Despite their rarity, it is essential to identify MCTLMPs given the possibility of severe complications. Fortunately, surgical removal offers promising cure rates. In this report, A 40-year-old female patient presented to the hospital with abdominal pain. Subsequently, a CT scan showed a 9-cm cystic mass pressing the bladder. The lesion was surgically excised and histopathological examination was performed. Grossly, the specimen consisted of a cyst with a smooth external surface and mucinous content. Microscopically, the cyst was lined by columnar mucinous epithelial cells that included basally-located hyperchromatic nuclei and scattered Goblet cells consistent with an intestinal phenotype. The epithelial cells show mild atypia with focal papillary formations and flattening due to compression. Immunohistochemically, the epithelial tumor cells expressed cytokeratin 20, CDX2, beta-catenin (membranous); and were negative for cytokeratin 7. The location, histopathological, and immunohistochemical findings were consistent with a diagnosis of MCTLMP. In this report, we present an instance of urachal MCTLMP, which represents less than 30 cases documented in the medical literature. This case study marks the importance of early identification of MCTLMP due to their potential for severe complications, despite the tumor’s low malignant potential and to exclude more aggressive tumors with areas of intraepithelial or invasive carcinoma.

Pre-germ cell neoplasia in-situ in a patient with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome

Abstract Introduction/Objective Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome is a disorder of sex development in 46, XY individuals with external female genitalia and undescended testes, often presenting with inguinal hernia in infancy and/or primary amenorrhea in adolescents. Given the increased risk for the development of germ cell neoplasms in the ectopic testis, early gonadectomy or orchidopexy may be indicated. Methods/Case Report We report a 21-year-old patient assigned female at birth (46, XY) with a history of bilateral inguinal hernia repairs (age 2) and later with lack of menarche (age 16). Additional work-up showed an elevated testosterone level (394 ng/mL) and normal luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormone values. On pelvic ultrasound, retained intraabdominal gonads were identified, but female sex organs were absent. During a gonadal relocation procedure, the gonads appeared irregular in shape with multiple cysts and small nodules, and bilateral gonadectomy was performed. Grossly, the gonads measured 4.9 and 4.3 cm with a smooth external surface and a lobulated cut surface with multiple cysts, up to 1.6 cm, containing clear, serous fluid. Histologic sections showed most seminiferous tubules were lined only by Sertoli cells with only occasional spermatogonia. Leydig cell hyperplasia and areas of ovarian-like stroma were seen. OCT4 immunostain highlighted the nuclei of individually disposed germ cells in the base of tubules (singly dispersed, non-linear pattern), raising concern for germ-cell neoplasia in-situ (GCNIS). However, the histology and staining pattern were better interpreted as diagnostic of germ cells with delayed maturation and pre-GCNIS. Additionally, OCT4 showed rare single cells within the stroma and considered to represent residual undifferentiated gonadal tissue. After gonadectomy, the patient was started on hormone replacement therapy. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion This case highlights the potential pitfalls in the interpretation of OCT4 immunostain to avoid misdiagnosis of germ cell neoplasia.

3D-Printed Capsaicin-Loaded Injectable Implants for Targeted Delivery in Obese Patients.

Diet-induced obesity and hyperlipidemia are a growing public health concern leading to various metabolic disorders. Capsaicin, a major bioactive compound obtained from natural chili peppers, has demonstrated its numerous beneficial roles in treating obesity and weight loss. Current treatment involves either administration of antiobesity drugs or surgical procedures such as Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, both of which are associated with serious side effects and poor patient acceptance. Capsaicin, a pungent molecule, has low oral bioavailability. Therefore, there is a need for the development of site-specific drug delivery system for capsaicin. The present study is aimed at preparing and characterizing 3D-printed capsaicin-loaded rod-shaped implants by thermoplastic extrusion-based 3D printing technology. The implants were printed with capsaicin-loaded into a biodegradable polymer, polycaprolactone, at different drug loadings and infill densities. The surface morphology revealed a smooth and uniform external surface without any capsaicin crystals. DSC thermograms showed no significant changes/exothermic events among the blends suggesting no drug polymer interactions. The in vitro release studies showed a biphasic release profile for capsaicin, and the release was sustained for more than three months (~ 85% released) irrespective of drug loading and infill densities. The HPLC method was stability-indicating and showed good resolution for its analogs, dihydrocapsaicin and nordihydrocapsaicin. The implants were stable for three months at accelerated conditions (40°C) without any significant decrease in the assay of capsaicin. Therefore, capsaicin-loaded implants can serve as a long-acting injectable formulation for targeting the adipose tissue region in obese patients.

Hierarchical and multi-material conformal composite structure for microwave transmission and blast-resistance

Two types of conformal composite panels, namely single-window conformal structure (SWCS) and multi-window conformal structure (MWCS), were designed and manufactured to achieve microwave transmission and blast-resistance simultaneously. These conformal panels have characteristics of multiple-materials, co-cured hierarchical structures and smooth external surface. Adopting woven lattice sandwich structure in conformal window lets that microwave transmission exceeding 80% covers bands from 4.5 GHz to 9.7 GHz and 16.5 GHz to 18 GHz. In field explosion experiments indicate that hierarchical stiffened sandwich structure with multi-windows exhibits better blast resistance. The MWCS remains structural integrity after repeated explosions with scaled distance varying from 2.565 m/kg1/3 to 0.646 m/kg1/3. Typical damage patterns of face blackening, face hole, matrix cracking, and breakage of conformal windows were revealed.

A carcinoid arising within an ovarian teratoma: a case report

Benign teratoma is the most common germ cell tumour found in the ovary. One to three percent of these are found to harbour somatic neoplasms,1 of which squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and sarcoma account for 95%.2 The first report of a carcinoid presenting in bronchial mucosa, within a teratoma was made in 20183 and we present a similar rare case in a 54 year old female. The patient underwent a total laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Macroscopically the left ovary measured 45 mm, with a smooth external surface and contained two cysts.

Aggressive Angiomyxoma of the Cervix: A Case Report and Literature Review

Aggressive angiomyxoma (AA) is a rare mesenchymal, locally aggressive tumour that mainly involves the vulval region of young females. It is characteristically a soft unencapsulated and poorly circumscribed mass, with a smooth external surface. The microscopic appearance is characterized by a myxoid, glistening cut surface and indistinct outlines. Although it is a slow-growing tumour, AA has a marked tendency to local recurrence. Surgical resection is the main treatment modality with a good prognosis, however long-term follow-up is necessary due to its high local recurrence rate. Alternative treatment options include hormonal treatment, due to the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors in tumour cells. Hormonal therapies with tamoxifen, raloxifene or GnRH analogues have been shown to reduce the tumour size and help to achieve nearcomplete resection in large tumours. There are no guidelines in the postoperative management of AA. However, due to the high recurrence rate and potential morbidity associated with undiagnosed recurrences, several authors have recommended periodic evaluations up to 15 years after initial treatment.

Slaughter of pregnant Tanzania shorthorn Zebu cattle at Morogoro abattoir: Prevalence, fetal wastage, and placentome morphology

Slaughtering pregnant cattle for meat is unethical, impends food security, and brings animal cruelty. A six-month study spinning from June and December 2020 was carried out to determine the number of Tanzania shorthorn zebu (TSHZ) slaughtered cattle, level of fetal wastage, number, size, and morphology of placentomes and their relationship with fetal age, sex, weight, and location in uteri. Results showed that 15,239 cattle were slaughtered, of which 99% (n=15,087) were TSHZ aged above three years. 61.38% (n= 9,353) of slaughtered cattle were female cattle, of which 2,599 (27.79%) were pregnant at varied gestation periods, and only 5,886 (38.63%) were males. Recovered fetuses were 1,450 (55.79%) males and 1,149 (44.21%) females, with a total of 1,081 (41.59%), 919 (35.36%), and 599 (23.05%) recovered in the first, second and third trimester, respectively. Fetal ages varied from 2.2 to 8.9 months, with body length (crown-crump) ranging from 13.7 to 83.1 cm. Fetus weight ranged from 1.1 kg to 23.2 kg. A total of 1545 (59.45%) pregnancies were localized in the right uterine horn, whereas 1054 (40.55%) were in the left uterine horn. The number of placentomes was significantly larger (P < 0.05) in gravid horns ranging from 71 to 115, than in non-gravid horns (5-28). Placentomes in gravid horn were greatly vascularized, large in size, convex in shape, and measured 7 cm in length and 2 cm in width. In non-gravid horns, placentomes were pale, small, and flat and measured 4 cm in length and 1 cm in width. At the microscopic level, the fetal cotyledons comprised a chorionic plate with a smooth external surface of cuboidal epithelium. From the chorionic plate's internal surface, numerous primary villi sprout inside in a pinnate fashion, producing secondary and tertiary villi. A significant fetal loss was resulting from the slaughter of pregnant animals warrants stepping up routine veterinary ante-mortem inspection of traded animals to salvage the high level of fetal wastage.

Impact of Ceramic Matrix Composite Topology on Overall Effectiveness

Abstract Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are a material of interest for components in the hot section of gas turbine engines due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and high temperature capabilities. CMCs are a class of material made of macro scale woven ceramic fibers infiltrated with a ceramic matrix making them significantly different than their nickel superalloy counterparts. As CMCs are implemented into gas turbine engines, the effects of the inherent topology of the CMC weave on convective heat transfer must be understood. In this study, film cooling holes were integrated into a representative CMC weave for three test coupons that were printed using additive manufacturing. The three coupons included: one having a weave topology along the surface of the internal channel supplying coolant to the film cooling holes; one having a weave topology along the external film cooled surface; and one having a weave topology on both the coolant supply channel as well as the external film cooled surface. Overall effectiveness levels for the two cases with a weave surface on the external film cooled wall were measured to be lower than levels for the case with the smooth external surface. The external weave significantly increased the mixing of the coolant jet with the hot mainstream resulting in poor cooling.

A new juvenile Yamaceratops (Dinosauria, Ceratopsia) from the Javkhlant Formation (Upper Cretaceous) of Mongolia.

Here we report a new articulated skeleton of Yamaceratops dorngobiensis (MPC-D 100/553) from the Khugenetjavkhlant locality at the Shine Us Khudag (Javkhlant Formation, ?Santonian-Campanian) of the eastern Gobi Desert, Mongolia, which represents the first substantially complete skeleton and the first juvenile individual of this taxon. The specimen includes a nearly complete cranium and large portions of the vertebral column and appendicular skeleton. Its skull is about 2/3 the size of the holotype specimen, based on mandibular length. Its juvenile ontogenetic stage is confirmed by multiple indicators of skeletal and morphological immaturity known in ceratopsians, such as the long-grained surface texture on the long bones, the smooth external surface on the postorbital, open neurocentral sutures of all caudal vertebrae, a large orbit relative to the postorbital and jugal, the low angle of the lacrimal ventral ramus relative to the maxillary teeth row, narrow frontal, and straight ventral edge of the dentary. Osteohistological analysis of MPC-D 100/553 recovered three lines of arrested growth, implying around 3 years of age when it died, and verified this specimen’s immature ontogenetic stage. The specimen adds a new autapomorphy of Yamaceratops, the anteroventral margin of the fungiform dorsal end of the lacrimal being excluded from the antorbital fossa. Furthermore, it shows a unique combination of diagnostic features of some other basal neoceratopsians: the ventrally hooked rostral bone as in Aquilops americanus and very tall middle caudal neural spines about or more than four times as high as the centrum as in Koreaceratops hwaseongensis, Montanoceratops cerorhynchus, and Protoceratops andrewsi. The jugal with the subtemporal ramus deeper than the suborbital ramus as in the holotype specimen is also shared with A. americanus, Liaoceratops yanzigouensis, and juvenile P. andrewsi. Adding 38 new scorings into the recent comprehensive data matrix of basal Neoceratopsia and taking into account the ontogenetically variable characters recovered Y. dorngobiensis as the sister taxon to Euceratopsia (Leptoceratopsidae plus Coronosauria). A second phylogenetic analysis with another matrix for Ceratopsia also supported this position. The new phylogenetic position of Y. dorngobiensis is important in ceratopsian evolution, as this taxon represents one of the basalmost neoceratopsians with a broad, thin frill and hyper-elongated middle caudal neural spines while still being bipedal.

Effects of Different Extraction Solvents on the Extractive Removal and Properties of Oil Palm Empty-Fruit Bunch Cellulosic Nanofibers

In this study, the effect of different extraction solvents on the isolation and properties of cellulosic nanofibers (CNFs) were investigated. The unextracted and different solvent-extracted CNFs formed horn-like features and irregularly aggregated nanofibers after oven drying. Scanning electron microscopy at 10000× magnification revealed the smooth external surfaces of all extracted CNFs; this finding is attributed to the limited deposition of amorphous lignocellulosic components on the fibers. All resultant CNF solutions revealed aggregation, with a particle size distribution and zeta average of 21.39–513.00 nm and 162.26–342.13 nm, respectively. Extraction with different solvents and chemical treatment yielded CNF solutions with good transparency. Increases in crystallinity indices were generated by extractive removal and enhanced the delignification and bleaching processes. The atomic crystal size of untreated and different solvent-treated CNFs varied with the type of native cellulose. A dramatic decrease in organic (i.e., C, N, and O) and inorganic (i.e., Na, K, and Si) elements was observed following extractive removal and cellulose purification

Nondestructive recognition and differentiation of quasi‐spherical structures of biologic interest

AbstractBackgroundBiological findings in archaeological and paleontological contexts are not limited to bones. In particular, biological concretions can present valuable information regarding the health of the organisms under examination. However, these structures are often difficult to recognize and identify. Chemical analyses (e.g., Raman spectroscopy) can allow their identification but they are time‐consuming and destructive techniques, even if minimally so. In this research, the potential of nondestructive high magnification surface microscopy is investigated for the distinction of uroliths from other biological and nonbiological concretions, specifically gallstones, bezoars, gastric pellets, coprolites, eggs, gastroliths and geological concretions.MethodsThe external surfaces of uroliths, bezoars, gastric pellets, gallstones, coprolites, gastroliths, eggs and geologic concretions were examined microscopically at ×20, ×50 and ×200 magnification.ResultsMorphological surface appearance of uroliths was independent of producer phylogeny and chemical composition and presented as smooth surfaces with level, faceted or lobulated configurations. Gallstones also presented a large array of shapes with smooth or porous external surfaces. Gastric pellets, bezoars and coprolites could be distinguished from other biological stones by the common presence of hair, sand grains, bone fragments or hair. Presence of uniform pores permitted the recognition of egg shells. Distinguishing gastroliths and geologic concretions requires additional diagnostic criteria.ConclusionHigh magnification surface microscopy of biological concretions from reference collections permits a better understanding of biological concretions and their normal variation. In addition, it allowed the distinction of uroliths from most biological concretions. Nonetheless, gallstones constitute the major differential diagnosis of uroliths, and destructive chemical analyses may be ultimately required for their distinction.

Simple fabrication of a chitin wound healing membrane from Soft-Shell crab carapace

A chitin wound healing membrane was extracted and minimally processed from soft-shell crab carapace, a fabrication method simpler than the conventional process of chemically modifying chitin into more soluble and bioactive derivatives. We observed an interesting difference between the topography of the membrane’s internal and external surface, which correlated with their different abilities to promote cell adhesion and proliferation. The internal surface was dotted with prickles where cells could adhere and elongate, while the smooth external surface demonstrated poor cell adhesion and proliferation. Applying the internal surface of the membrane onto the wound improved the epidermis surface homogeneity and accelerated epidermis-dermis re-attachment. This membrane also showed an excellent tensile strength of 105.7 ± 29.9 MPa and ultimate strain of 6.5 ± 4.2%, higher than those of common wound healing membranes from cellulose, and collagen. These results showed the ability of chitin membranes from soft-shell crab carapaces to support cell attachment, proliferation, and migration and its potential for further wound healing applications.

Liver Mesenchymal Hamartoma

Liver Mesenchymal Hamartoma (LMH) is a rare benign lesion occurring primarily in the pediatric population. The pathogenesis is not certain, although an association has been seen with abnormal mesodermal synchronous development in the portal tract. A 4-year-old female patient, with no relevant personal and family history, was evaluated for abdominal distension. Hepatomegaly was detected as a casual finding. Image tests showed a multiseptae cystic lesion in the right lobe of the liver. Gross pathological review of the lesion identified a cystic consistency tumor occupying the entire right lobe and displacing suprahepatic vessels, gallbladder and vascular pedicle. Complete dissection was performed. Histologically studies showed a smooth and shiny external surface, multiloculated, with a liquid content exit of yellowish coloration and thickened walls with areas of yellowish coloration and focally of increased consistency. The mass consisted on cystic neoplasm of thickened walls and abundant vessels, with calcified areas, as well as dilated biliary and lymphatic ducts and mild associated chronic inflammatory component. The patient was discharged home on postoperative day seven. A review of the literature for LMH in children reports a few publications, most of them limited to case reports. LMH has the potential for mixed pathology, multifocality, incomplete regression and rare malignant transformation, so it is important to make a correct differential diagnosis in order to not underdiagnose.

Ultra structural Studies of Mouse Liver in Castrated Subjects Treated with Grape Juice

The present study was designed to evaluate the alterations in the liver tissues especially ITO and Kupffer cells of both castrated and castrated mice treated with10 µl/g of grape juice. The present study was conducted on forty five healthy males of Swiss albino mice, which were divided into 3 groups (N= 15 mice per each group). The first group was intact (control); the second one was castrated and the third group was castrated treated with 10 µl/g of grape juice. The ultra-structure sections of liver tissue from intact (control) group showed normal structure of both hepatocytes and sinusoids, with smooth external surfaces. Whereas ultra-sections from castrated group resulted in: degeneration of hepatocytes, deterioration of sinusoids; rough external surfaces, with aggregations of lipid droplets and white blood cells as compared with the control group. However treatment of castrated subject's with10µl/g of grape juice resulted in activation the regeneration processes in both hepatocytes and sinusoids, with smooth appearance of the external surfaces as compared with control group. The present study concluded that surgical castration aggravated increased hepatic steatosis and increased inflammatory response by increased activation of Kupffer and Ito cells, these effects could be reserved by aggravated increased grape juice administration.

Optimal design of fighter aircraft wing panels laminates under multi-load case environment by ply-drop and ply-migrations

The ply-drop (PD) is termination of specific plies at rib-axis for getting tapered laminates. The present optimization study aims to achieve minimum weight tapered wing panels laminates by PD followed by ply-migrations (PM). The PM are required for ply-continuity (blending) and achieving smooth external aerodynamic surface. A genetic-algorithm mutation operator and fitness based search algorithm is developed in the present study for the optimization. The laminate weight minimization has been achieved as goal of multi-objective optimization (MOO), by utilizing excess design margins of Tsai-Wu first ply failure-index (FI) and wing tip lateral deflection. The finite-element (FE) model of laminate is a set of discrete laminates (chromosomes) between ribs with continuity by virtue of ply-orientations. To select best fit laminate, ply orientations were randomly selected and perturbed for thickness during optimization. The fitness function for evaluating chromosomes is a composite function of multi-objective design requirements and design constraints. The algorithm submits orientation/thickness combinations to ABAQUS/CAE by python-script for function evaluation. The application of algorithm over an initially assumed quasi-isotropic laminate of uniform thickness showed 57% weight reduction for a fighter aircraft’s wing panel. The optimization process is automated making PD practically viable in the design process itself.

저온 캡슐화에 의한 Weissella cibaria CMU의 생존율 증진 효과

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of low-temperature encapsulation on the viability of Weissella cibaria CMU under harsh conditions and in freeze-dried foods during storage. The capsules were prepared by gelation of sodium caseinate at different concentrations (5%, 6%, 7%, and 8%) with a combination of 0.5% gellan gum and 2% glucono-δ-lactone. The size distribution of the capsules was determined using a Mastersizer 3000 laser diffraction particle size analyzer. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the capsule with 6% sodium caseinate had a smooth and rounded external surface, with reproducibility. The acid, bile, and heat tolerances of the encapsulated cells were significantly higher than those of the control under prolonged acid (5 h), bile (12 and 24 h), and heat (2 h) exposure, respectively. During storage for up to 6 months at 4℃ or 25℃, the viability of encapsulated Weissella cibaria CMU in beef and vegetable rice porridge was effectively improved.

Characterization of Pyrolytic Graphite Sheet: A New Type of Adsorption Substrate for Studies of Superfluid Thin Films

We have measured surface morphology and gas adsorption characteristics of uncompressed pyrolytic graphite sheet (uPGS) which is a candidate substrate for AC and DC superflow experiments on monolayers of 4He below T = 1 K. The PGS is a mass-produced thin graphite sheet with various thicknesses between 10 and 100 {\mu}m. We employed a variety of measuring techniques such as imagings with optical microscope, SEM and STM, Raman spectroscopy, and adsorption isotherm. PGS has smooth and atomically-flat external surfaces with high crystallinity. Although the specific surface area (<0.1 m$^2$/g) is rather small, by making use of its smooth external surface, the thinnest uPGS of 10 {\mu}m thick is found to be suitable for the superflow experiments on the strictly two-dimensional helium systems.